Border Information: if joining in Kunming, you will most likely enter China at Kunming Changshui International Airport (IATA code: KMG).
There will be a group meeting today at 6:00pm - please look out for a note from your tour leader at the hotel reception with more information about this important meeting.
The rest of the day will be free to explore the city of Kunming, its museums and its parks.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Kunming before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Kunming.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
After our visit we will continue to the incredible city of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, where we will stay for 2 nights. On arrival we will have a free afternoon to explore the city's parks, streets, and museums, and visit the fascinating and incredibly photogenic Jinli Old Town.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
We will most likely stay in a local hotel in Chongqing tonight, but on occasion our ferry may need to depart tonight, in which case we will have a spare day later in the trip that we can use at our discretion.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Today we embark on our Yangtze River Cruise. We travel on a local ferry boat used by local people, a much more authentic and interesting way of travelling than on a tourist cruise. We stay in shared cabins (4 members of the group to each cabin) with private bathrooms and air conditioning where possible.
The journey itself usually takes 3 days/3 nights and heads through some areas of stunning scenery, especially near the Three Gorges - the Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges. The boats usually stop at the Fengdu (Ghost City), Shibaozai Tower, home to the Lanruo Dian (Orchid Temple) and at the three Lesser Gorges at various points on the trip. However due to local conditions, stops cannot always be guaranteed.
Accommodation: Overnight Boat
Second day of our Yangtze River Cruise.
Accommodation: Overnight Boat
We will arrive in the city of Yichang and disembark our ferry to rejoin our truck and co-leader and have some free time to explore Yichang and the surrounding area.
We will most likely have an included visit to the incredible Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, on the last day.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Welcome to the amazing city of Xi'an, the ancient capital of Shaanxi province and the end of the 'Silk Road'!
There will be a group meeting today at 10:00am - please look out for a note from your tour leader at the hotel reception with more information about this important meeting.
This afternoon we head out of Xi'an on the truck to the site of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, where we have an included visit and a guided tour.
Please note that many of the optional activities listed will only be possible for those with extra time in Xi'an before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Xi'an.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
In Lijiashan we will stay in a cave room, run by a local family and set up for guests.
Please note that some caves include a traditional 'Kang Stove bed'. The Kang bed is a hollow platform made from bricks that is used both as a bed and as a work area, these are common in remote villages in Northern China. In winter a coal fire can be lit under the bed, providing a huge amount of warmth day and night and it is very common for the whole family to sleep on one large bed. This means there may be times that members of the group may have to share 1 large bed with others in the group.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today we will have another day to explore Pingyao and its surroundings.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Border Information: if joining in Beijing, you will most likely enter China at Beijing Capital International Airport (IATA code: PEK).
There will be a short group meeting today at 10:00am - please look out for a note from your tour leader at the hotel reception with more information about this important meeting. The rest of the day will be free to explore the incredible city of Beijing!
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Beijing before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Beijing.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today we leave the Chinese capital behind us as we begin our overland journey towards Mongolia. Today will be a long drive day to reach the border town of Erlian.
We will either wild camp outside Erlian or stay in a basic local hotel, depending on weather conditions and group preferences.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12
Border information: Exit China at Erlian, enter Mongolia at Zamyn-Uud.
This morning we cross the border into Mongolia. Please be aware that border procedures can take around 5 hours here. Once we have made it into Mongolia we will continue our overland journey north.
We will aim to wild camp near the town of Sainshand tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
This morning we may have the opportunity to visit the Dechinchoinkhorlin Monastery in Sainshand before we continue our drive to Mongolia's vibrant capital of Ulaanbaatar (please note this is not always open for visitors).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Border information: If you are joining in Ulaanbaatar, you will most likely enter Mongolia at Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (IATA code: ULN).
There will be a group meeting today at 6:00pm - please look out for a note from your tour leader at the hotel reception with more information about this important meeting, but please do not be alarmed if the note is not there as this is often a travel day for the tour leader and they may arrive in the afternoon. If you arrive early, the rest of the day will be free to explore the Mongolian capital!
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Ulaanbaatar before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Ulaanbaatar.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
This morning we head out on a guided tour to see some of Ulaanbaatar's best and most treasured sights, including the Gandan Monastery and the National Museum.
This afternoon we will spend a few hours exploring the Black Market. This huge market contains every single item a Mongolian may need, so a trip here will certainly give visitors a fascinating insight into people's lives, whether they are nomads or urban apartment dwellers.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today we drive out of the city and into the vast plains of Mongolia. We hope to arrive at Khar Bukh Balgas ruins in the early afternoon.
Khar Bukh Balgas was built during the Kitan period in about 1000CE, and was part of a chain of fortresses that were used to govern and control the northern region and borders of the Kitan state. Upon arrival at the site, we will explore the ruins and learn about the various kingdoms that dominated Mongolia during that era.
After our visit to the ruins we will drive to Ögii Lake where many nomadic families spend their summer. The lake is famed for it's great bird watching opportunities where it is not uncommon to spot at Swan Goose, White Spoonbill and Dalmatian Pelicans.
Please note that we cannot give any accurate drive time estimations for our Mongolia trip as the journey times are heavily dependent on the state of roads, which is in turn heavily dependent on the weather. The roads in Mongolia are mostly dirt tracks in very poor condition, which means that an even greater degree of flexibility is needed for this trip in all regards.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Today we have an early start as we head to Mongolia's earliest capital, Kharkhorin (otherwise known as Karakoram).
Our first stop on the way to Kharkhorin will be at the Kultigen Monument. This massive stone tomb was built in honour of a Turkic prince and warrior killed in a nearby battle. We then continue on a fairly short drive to Kharkhorin.
Kharkhorin was famed throughout Asia at the capital of the Mongol Empire. We will visit the ruins of the old city, the Erdene Zuu monastery, and other historical monuments in the area.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Today we head south
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Today our trip heads north, crossing the Khangai Nuruu Mountains through a series of passes until we reach an area that Mongolians call 'The Paradise of the Horse Herders' due to its lush grasses and open valleys.
We drive to the Tsenkher hot springs, where water flows out of the ground at 82°C, and where we can enjoy a relaxing soak.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
This morning we drive to Tsetserleg, the provincial capital, where we will make a short visit to the local market. If time permits, we will also visit the provincial museum.
We will then continue our journey north past the Tamir river, and will wild camp tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today we continue noth past Taikhar Chuluu (a massive rock which is connected to local mythology) and the Chluulut Canyon to arrive at our ger camp near the Khorgo volcano.
In Chuulut Canyon we will stay at a nearby ger camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
This morning we will take a hike to the top of the Khorgo Volcano and take in the incredible views over its perfect crater. From the top of the volcano we continue our hike though fields studded with pine trees, stopping off en route at the Yellow Dog Cave, an interesting volcanic phenomenon.
We will then return to the truck and continue our journey north. We will aim wild camp tonight in the remote plains north of Khorgo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Over the next few days we continue driving north on one of Mongolia's most beautiful routes, crossing high mountain passes, vast grasslands, and small creeks! We will pass by the beautiful alpine Lake Zuun en route.
We hope to arrive at Mörön, the provincial capital, the following afternoon. We will visit the local market, Danzadarjaa Monastery and the local museum. If we don't have time on this section of the trip, then we can visit the town after coming back from Khövsgöl Lake.
We will aim to wild camp near Zuun Lake and near the town of Mörön.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
This morning we will drive out to an ancient burial site featuring Mongolia's mysterious deer stones, these are memorial stones representing important leaders and warriors, carved with deer motifs. After visiting the site, we continue our trip northward to one of the world's biggest fresh water sources, the stunning Khövsgöl Lake.
Khövsgöl Lake and its amazing surroundings are home to several of Mongolia's ethnic minorities as well as a refuge for a wide variety of wildlife. One of the most interesting ethnic groups living near the lake is the Tsaatan, also known as 'The Reindeer People'. A small tribe of Tsaatan consisting of about 40 families lives with its herds of reindeer in the forests around the lake. These graceful animals provide the tribe with all its basic needs - milk, meat and transportation. As there are very few Tsaatan left and this is a mobile population, we may meet them but there are no guarantees - however, the scenery of the area is well worth the exploration.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
We will spend the next 3 days crossing central-northern Mongolia on our way back towards the capital of Ulaanbaatar. We will aim to wildcamp in the plains east Moron tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
This morning we will try to visit the Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Built between 1727 and 1736 by the Manchu Emperor Enkh Amgalan, Amarbayasgalant is among the largest monasteries in Mongolia to have survived the purges of the 1930s. With about 60 monks living and studying here, the monastery functions today as one of Mongolia's central religious institutions, and consists of 29 different temples, all built in the classic Tibetan style.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Today we have a full day drive from northern Mongolia back to the city of Ulaanbaatar. This evening is free to relax and explore, and to have a well-earned final meal and drinks in one of the city's many restaurants!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Border information: If you are leaving in Ulaanbaatar, you will most likely exit Mongolia at Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (IATA code: ULN).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Ulaanbaatar. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
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